A Survey of Climate Change Perceptions and Energy Transition Pathways in Uganda,

This survey research investigates evolving perceptions of climate change and preferred pathways for a national energy transition in Uganda between 2021 and 2026. It addresses a critical gap in understanding how key stakeholders conceptualise shifting towards a low-carbon energy system within a dynamic climate and development context. Employing a stratified sampling methodology, the study collected quantitative and qualitative data from 450 respondents, including policymakers, energy sector practitioners, community leaders, and urban and rural households across four regions. Key findings reveal a significant increase in climate change awareness, with over 85% of respondents directly linking localised weather disruptions to global phenomena by 2026. Perceptions of the energy transition, however, are nuanced. While solar energy is overwhelmingly favoured, concerns regarding affordability, grid reliability, and the future of hydropower—a current national mainstay—remain prominent. The analysis underscores that Uganda’s energy transition must be contextually specific, prioritising energy access, resilience, and equity alongside emissions reduction. Consequently, the study argues that successful policy must integrate technologically robust, culturally resonant, and socially equitable strategies to ensure the transition advances broader sustainable development goals within the African context.